Are women worse drivers?

Question

Today's inflammatory question:

Based upon my observations, as recently as today where a woman made a left turn and ran smack into a guard rail median divider, I wonder if women are more prone to running into stationary objects. I see countless photos of women driving over parking garage barriers, through wet cement, and into buildings. What gives? Do nationalities contribute to the issue? In my experience, older Asian women are the absolute worst drivers.

Not that we men are great or flawless, but at least our tendency is to hit moving objects - that at least takes skill! ;)

I admitted it was an inflammatory question and based on recent personal observations. My comment about men was tongue-in-cheek - I have my share of citations. Nevertheless, my gf reported today that she watched a woman at the bank drive right into the vacuum container all while talking on her cell phone.

Answer 1

I was a big rig driver for 20 years and have seen it all. There may be another reason, women talk on the phone alot more then men. The stationary thing may have a bigger picture also. What about those long high heels that probably get stuck under or around the accelerator ?We probably don't take this into concideration but if you asked the women what kind of shoes they were wearing when the accident occurred, we might find a common thread .That would explain hitting non moving objects. We men, are just careless and have to stop using roadways as speedways .

Answer 2

Normally I'd stay away from a question like this, but yeah, they are worse, if they're middle-aged. They're coordinating all of their kid's activities (must be nice for kids to have such structured free time), talking on their cell, and not paying attention. They usually have dyed blond hair and over-sized sunglasses. Also, they are usually in SUVs.

That is my take on the area I live in. Thin skinned people, don't take offense, but the majority of the time the above description is causing me to swerve, honk, or slam on brakes.

I'm an excellent driver-no tailgating, always use signals, very little speeding, and I don't use my cell while driving. That would be completely stupid.

Answer 3

you have to understand that the average boys start riding there bikes or skateboards when they are young which give them more experience. girls did not do that until they have a driving permits.they are more into make-up or baby dolls. the more you ride your bikes ,the more experience you have.Asian women are not an outdoor activity people so they don"t have any driving experience. so if you have kids,teach them to ride the bike when they start walking. by the time they have a license, they have more experience than a person who just took a driving course. i have been riding my bike since 6 years old. i surprise the driving instructor for being the head student in the class. 19 years of driving with no accident

Answer 4

I've seen an article on this in a journal somewhere, can't for the life of me remember where or when, though.

Women tend to see the object, but somehow don't worry about avoiding it, so they hit it.

Men tend not to see the object in the first place, and hit it. If a man actually sees the object, the chances of him hitting it are minimal.

It's exactly the same as an incoming football, women are more likely to notice it before it hits them, but men are more likely to be able to catch it if they do notice it.

For those crying 'sexism', men and women ARE different, BUT IT TAKES ALL SORTS IN THIS WORLD.
no one is less important, but we are all different.
It's not PC, but it makes the world go round.

Answer 5

According to my friend, who works for USAA Insurance Company, teenage females are now the highest-risk group of drivers. Apparently it still costs more to insure a male driver overall, but now that more and more women are getting drivers licenses, it's shifting in the other direction. He estimates that it'll be more expensive to insure women across the board within the next 10 years or so. This would tend to support your theory that women are more accident prone when driving than men.

Answer 6

I think you are trying to justify your sexist thoughts by looking for any evidence you can find to try to say women are worse drivers. Statistics show that women are less likely to have a MVA then males, reguardless of Age, Race, or other contibuting factors.

If you feel the need to push this argument, you better get your facts straight. I could find you many pictures of guys who, drove into guardrails, into a construction site, into the side of stores, over bridges, and much more. And as for that "Us guys tend to hit moving targets" comment, i dont know how you learned to drive, but my tendancy is NOT to hit anything, stationary or moving, but het thats just me. I've had my share of stupid moments driving, I'm sure you've had more, so stop trying to convince yourself you are better at driving than women, it doesnt matter, I'm better than you, and there are women who are much more expirenced and talented than I am.

Answer 7

No, I do not think so. To be a good driver, you have to have experience and a cool temperament. Neither of these is gender-specific.

My daughter is a better driver than me though I have logged about 10 times the kilometers than she has. She simply has a better temperament.

Answer 8

There are all kinds of horrible drivers of both sexes and every race. I think the Asian women you are referring to, are probably more recent immigrants, that didn't grow up riding in or driving cars like we do in the U.S. They are more like teen drivers, inexperienced.

Answer 9

Young men r the worst. but 2 months ago my wife crashed into a curb at a gas station and blew up a 140 dollar tire..my reaction was the correct one.." honey are you ok?"

Answer 10

People who multi-task while driving (talking on the cell phone, putting on make-up, shaving, eating, drinking, looking at dirty movies on their laptops...) are the worst drivers.
People who drive Hummers are a close second, no matter what they're doing.